Sep 9, 2015


Toyota Trucks for Sale

Toyota’s 4×4 trucks and SUVS are equipped with one of the most advanced 4-wheel-drive systems on the market. If you need an off-road driving truck or SUV, it doesn’t get much better than a Toyota 4×4. There’s a simple reason why: Toyota Crawl Control.

What is Crawl Control? That’s a common question customers have asked a lot at Toyota of Knoxville since the system was first released in 2008. And we wanted to provide customers with an overview of the system and how it enhances off-road driving.

Essentially, Crawl Control is an advanced feature that’s designed for low-speed off-road driving in extreme conditions. It’s used in the most difficult of terrain, like a sand incline, crawling over rocks, or in deep mud. The control is essentially a powerful, intuitive sensor system that judges driving conditions and adjusts acceleration and the brakes to each wheel as the vehicle moves over rough terrain.

Crawl Control’s computers and sensors takes control of the vehicle, allowing drivers to take their foot off the brake and gas pedal and focus on steering. Then, Crawl Control adjusts each wheel’s output based on the condition of the terrain. In sand, for example, it’s easy for a truck to dig deeper and get stuck. But with Crawl Control, each wheel works independently to help drivers dig their way out.

You have to see it to believe it. Here’s a demonstration video of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma stuck in sand. Crawl Control helps the truck dig its way out:

How Does Toyota Crawl Control Work?

Crawl Control’s computer takes in information provided from a variety of sensors. The vehicle’s stability control sensors provide data, as well as wheel speed sensors and braking sensors. These sensors are designed to accurately detect slippage, if the tires are stuck, and it can determine how much dirt or sand needs to be built up under the tire to crawl out of rough terrain.

Then this information is delivered to the computer, which independently calculates output for each wheel based on the road condition. Crawl Control applies more acceleration, or more braking, to each tire, and as Toyota says, it makes off-roading “more civilized.”

How Do You Use Crawl Control?

The system does all the work for you. All you have to do is put your foot on the brake and put the vehicle in neutral. Then, drivers turn the transfer case into the 4-Low position, and select one of the five Crawl Control speeds. Speed can be set up to 5 mph.

Additionally, Crawl Control isn’t designed to be used for extended periods of time. The system works continuously for up to 12 minutes, and while in use, it can be overridden by stepping on the brake or accelerator. If you brake, the vehicle will stop, and then when you remove your foot from the brake, the vehicle begins to move again.

Which Vehicles Have Crawl Control?

Since it was first available on the Toyota 4Runner in 2008, Crawl Control has been introduced into several other Toyota trucks and SUVs. They include the Tacoma and 4Runner, as well as the Toyota Land Cruiser and previously the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which has since been discontinued.

If you plan on off-roading, Crawl Control is an extremely useful tool, and we recommend it to our customers who love the mud. Crawl Control adds confidence to the ride. If you have any questions, visit Toyota of Knoxville near Farragut, TN. We’d be happy to show you first-hand how it works during a test drive.